Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, May 29, 2013
(BEDFORD) - More than 100 people, most seated on lawn chairs on the northwest corner of the Lawrence County Courthouse lawn, gathered Monday afternoon for the third annual “Lest We Forget” Memorial Day ceremony.
Bob Bridge of the Times-Mail reports that some were dressed in uniform, and others donned caps designating where they had served.
Mark Mathis, Lawrence County Councilman, served as master of ceremonies. The crowd joined in "The Pledge of Allegiance" and "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the flag was raised, then lowered to half mast.
The Lawrence County Home-School Choir sang a few patriotic-themed tunes before Mathis and a few friends read the Constitution from start to finish, then articulated each of the 27 amendments to the historic document.
As promised, the readers stuck to the written word, adding no personal interpretation to the text.
The reading proceeded smoothly except for an occasional interruption because of a passing motorcycle or large truck.
When an ambulance with a screeching siren streaked past the square, Mathis paused briefly to pray for the patient the EMTs were destined to assist.
"I hope this has helped you remember what our Constitution is about," Mathis said. "Maybe now when you hear the media mention the Constitution, you can relate to what they're talking about."
Members of the local Republican Party passed out pocket-size copies of the Constitution so people could follow along during the reading.
Earlier in the day, the Rev. Rick Eldred of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and members of the Bedford American Legion led a service at Green Hill Cemetery. The Lawrence County Museum of History hosted a reception for veterans following the service at Green Hill Cemetery. Members of the Cecil C. Martin American Legion Post No. 250 of Mitchell also staged a Memorial Day service at the Mitchell Cemetery and Spring Mill State Park had a remembrance ceremony at Hamer Cemetery.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.